Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 0080

Roman Silver Wine Strainer

CIRCA 3RD CENTURY A.D.

6 7/8 in. (97 grams, 17.5 cm).

Of bulbous form, with a broad everted rim, integral scallops at the neck and splayed handle, perforated floral motif to centre of bowl, scrolling waves around and Greek key pattern above; hole to bowl.

Provenance

Acquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by searcher certificate no. 200925.

Literature

Cf. Walters, H.B., Silver / Catalogue of the Silver Plate (Greek, Etruscan And Roman) in the British Museum, London, 1921, no.146, for a similar elaborately decorated silver strainer fastened to a silver funnel by a hinge in the British Museum, inventory no.1890,0923.6.

Footnotes

Round-bowled strainers of various sizes occur in many late Roman hoards of domestic silver. They were used to strain the sediment from wine as it was poured into a drinking vessel. It is noteworthy that wine could have been a kind of gift from the Romans to the members of the foreign or provincial elite, often allies of the Roman leaders. Sets of bronze dishes (such as jars, scoops and strainers) along with glass horns (often with bronze fittings) and silver cups for drinking, usually placed in the so-called princely graves, confirm the wine consumption and indicate the area of its occurrence also outside the Empire.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process


AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 0080

Roman Silver Wine Strainer

Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,210

Print page

RELATED LOTS

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list